UW reluctantly cancels Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute

LARAMIE — The University of Wyoming will not host a Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute this year, as members of the Black 14 have chosen not to participate in a third annual institute.

In a letter to President Ed Seidel, three Black 14 members wrote that the group is discontinuing its involvement in the institute because Wyoming government leaders have eliminated funding for UW’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, according to a news release.

“The Black 14 is immensely proud of the partnership with the University of Wyoming and our impact with the Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute over the years,” wrote John Griffin, Mel Hamilton and Tony McGee. “However, the Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute’s fundamental values and objectives are intricately tied to DEI. The program cannot effectively realize its mission without ample backing and a robust DEI department.”

UW President Ed Seidel said he’s disappointed with but respects the Black 14’s decision.

“Even with the loss of funding for the DEI office from our state block grant, we were hopeful that we could find a way forward to continue the Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute — just as we’re working to continue supporting all of our UW communities,” Seidel said in the release. “However, the participation of the Black 14 is essential to have a meaningful experience for students, and that isn’t possible now. Still, we’ll continue to look for ways to partner with the Black 14, and we’re hopeful they may reconsider at some point in the future.”

The 2023 Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute experienced huge growth in its second year, jumping from six participants in the inaugural session to 24. Five states were represented, stretching from Wyoming to Pennsylvania.

During the weeklong program, the high school students stayed in UW residence halls and participated in a variety of activities regarding leadership, social justice, diversity skills, fostering confidence, personal ethics and advocacy.

In 1969, the Black 14, a group of Black UW football players, protested racial injustice by seeking permission to wear black armbands during a game against Brigham Young University. This action led to their dismissal from the team. An official apology was issued by the university in 2019.

This story was published on May 4, 2024.